Controversial plans to build a new water pumping station in Usk have been forced through by councillors.

Usk residents concerned about the site at The Old Piggery opposed the move, saying that noise levels would rise and flooding risk would increase, if the building was allowed to go ahead.

Monmouthshire County Council’s planning committee approved the application on Tuesday, September 5, despite many councillors admitting they felt sympathy with concerned residents.

The committee heard the current station serves 600,000 people, with Cardiff and wider areas dependent on the site for water supply, and was in dire need of an upgrade.

A Mr Richard Whiteman, who represented those opposed, said ‘whilst the project is good for wildlife, it is awful for people.’ Adding that noise levels would greatly increase and the new building would be twice as tall and three times larger than current.

A representative from Welsh Water said the plans would actually reduce noise levels and would pose less harm to local wildlife.

‘This is the best option for future generations and should serve us for the next 60 years,” said Martin Hennessey, of Welsh Water.

Councillor Roger Harris said, “It is vital that this is built. Yes, it is larger than the current building, but it is also further away from affected properties, and we have assurances that noise levels will be lower.”

Two weeks ago, Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay said he was taking up the issue ‘as a matter of urgency’ with environment minister Lesley Griffiths AM.

The application was approved with nine councillors for the proposal, three opposed and one abstention.